UK Government Accused of "Shameful Betrayal" of Fishermen Over New Deal with EU

Strategic Insights -

A new deal between the UK and EU has been met with criticism from Scottish fishermen, with the Scottish Fishermen's Federation calling it a "horror show". The agreement grants EU vessels 12 years of continuous access to UK waters, sparking concerns over the impact on the Scottish fishing industry. UK ministers have been accused of a "shameful betrayal" of fishermen, with some questioning whether Labour's promised "reset" of relationships between Westminster and devolved administrations has been achieved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government has agreed a fisheries deal with the EU, granting EU vessels 12 years of continuous access to UK waters.
  • The deal has been met with criticism from the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, who call it a "horror show" for Scottish fishermen.
  • The UK Government has been accused of a "shameful betrayal" of fishermen, with some questioning whether Labour's promised "reset" of relationships between Westminster and devolved administrations has been achieved.
  • The Scottish Government has received no documentation or draft proposals on the deal in advance, with Angus Robertson calling it a "horror show" for Scottish fishermen.
  • The deal means European vessels will enjoy the same post-Brexit access they have had until 2038, 12 years after the current arrangement expires.
  • The Scottish Conservative fishing spokesperson, Tim Eagle, has described the agreement as an "absolute disaster" for the Scottish fishing industry.
  • Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, has called the deal a "disgrace", stating that giving away access to UK waters is a "national asset" with no discernible benefit.

Statistics:

  • 12 years: The duration of access granted to EU vessels to UK waters under the new deal.
  • 2038: The year up to which European vessels currently have access to UK waters.
  • 53%: The proportion of the Scottish catch that is still landed directly to the continent.
  • 2: The number of previous prime ministers, including Edward Heath and Boris Johnson, who have been accused of betraying the fishing industry.

Sources:

  • [Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson), Twitter, May 19, 2025]
  • [Elspeth Macdonald (@sff_uk), Twitter, May 18, 2025]
  • [Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson), Twitter, May 19, 2025]